Every home has some spaces that are neglected during cleaning. Popcorn ceilings are seldom remembered in most routines, perhaps due to their difficulty being reached or simply difficult to maintain.
Nevertheless, they can gather dust and eventually become discolored, detracting from the overall look of the space. Let’s discuss everything you need to clean a popcorn ceiling and restore its original appearance.
What is a Popcorn Ceiling?
There are many names for popcorn ceilings, such as acoustic, stucco, or stipple ceilings. Spray paint was used to create the textured, uneven surface of these ceilings. Popcorn ceiling lumps are typically composed of polystyrene or vermiculite, a kind of ground mineral.
Popcorn ceilings may have been installed in your home for many reasons. They sound dead, conceal flaws well, and are frequently less expensive to install than flat ceilings. Popcorn ceilings are very common, so whether you love them or hate them, cleaning them properly is a skill worth learning.
Pro Tip: Before doing any work on a ceiling that was installed before 1990, it is advisable to be cautious and have it tested for asbestos by a professional. If the popcorn ceiling has asbestos, it’s best to remove it. The price to remove popcorn ceiling is not much. Moreover, you can easily do it yourself.
How to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling?
Taking out the vacuum is the easiest way to clean a popcorn ceiling. Gently run a brush attachment across the ceiling. Pressing too firmly will cause the texture of the ceiling to be damaged. Since some parts might still fall from the ceiling, it’s a good idea to lay down tarps or plastic sheeting first.
Your popcorn ceiling will be free of dust, debris, and spiderwebs with this technique. However, a thorough cleaning might be required if your ceiling is discolored or stained.
Many attachments, such as dusting brushes, extension wands, and crevice tools, are included with the majority of vacuum cleaners. For a popcorn ceiling, you should use the brush attachment.
While some of the other attachments may operate more quickly and with greater suction, there is a chance that they will harm the ceiling. The hard plastic finish is protected from scratches by the brush bristles, which also effectively remove stubborn dirt and dust.
Tools You Need for Popcorn Ceiling Cleaning
The following are the tools you’ll probably need, depending on the cleaning technique you choose for your popcorn ceiling:
- Sheets made of plastic
- Feather duster, feather duster, or soft-bristled brush
- Use dish soap
- White vinegar
- Three percent hydrogen peroxide
- Water spray bottle with bleach
- Microfiber linen
- Stepladders
Step 1: Clean Cobwebs from Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceiling cobweb removal doesn’t have to be tough. A feather duster, a broom with soft bristles, or even a vacuum cleaner can be used.
When cleaning, think about how you’re going to get to the ceiling. To reach safely, try using equipment with long handles or a stepladder.
Pro Tip: When using a stepladder, avoid overextending yourself as this increases your risk of losing your balance and falling. Rather, concentrate on cleaning a small section of the ceiling at a time, moving the ladder between each area.
For simple cleanup, cover furniture and carpets with tarps or plastic sheeting. Next, hoover as previously mentioned, or use a feather duster or broom to gently brush the ceiling. You may need to shake out the duster or clean the bristles on your broom as you go if the ceiling is extremely dusty.
Pay close attention to the corners of the ceiling as they are prone to dust and cobweb accumulation.
Step 2: Clean Popcorn Ceiling Dust
It is more likely that the center of your popcorn ceiling is dusty than cobweb-filled. You can use a vacuum, duster, or broom to clean dust.
If you discover that these techniques aren’t effectively removing the dust, consider utilizing a wool paint roller with a thick pile or nap. Paint rollers are perfect for dusting ceilings because of their smooth surface design.
Just be careful not to press too hard as this could harm the popcorn texture’s finish.
Step 3: Clean Kitchen Grease from Popcorn Ceiling
Even though bathrooms and kitchens shouldn’t have popcorn ceilings because the high moisture content in the air can harm the finish, a lot of contractors missed the memo!
This solution makes it simple to repair any kitchen grease stains on your popcorn ceiling.
- A cup of hot water
- One tsp of dish soap
After mixing the ingredients, wet a microfiber cloth. Use it to remove old grease stains and dab the ceiling. Remember you shouldn’t get the ceiling wet, because it will damage the finish and maybe even make the popcorn layer fall.
The same reasoning applies to not cleaning the ceiling. Wring the cloth out well before applying it to the ceiling, and dab gently to clean.
Step 4: Remove Stains from a Popcorn Ceiling
Water and other stains on your popcorn ceiling can typically be removed with a basic cleaning solution.
- Three tsp bleach
- One cup of warm water
Fill a spray bottle with the solution, then lightly mist the stained area. Once more, be cautious not to overwet the ceiling. Let the solution dry by air. If the stain persists, do it again as needed, letting the ceiling dry in between coats.
Step 5: Clean Mold Off a Popcorn Ceiling
Finding the root of the mold problem is a good idea before treating it. In any other case, it will just keep returning. High humidity and inadequate ventilation are common places for mold and mildew to grow.
To maintain air circulation in a room with humidity issues, open a window or place a portable fan there. Mold treatment also may involve using an antifungal cleaning spray.
Popcorn ceilings have a textured surface that allows mold to hide, making removal more difficult. It’s time to bring in an expert if the issue is widespread. Otherwise, apply a fungicidal cleaner with a spray bottle. The mist will assist in getting into all the crevices. To adequately treat the mold, you might need to apply multiple treatments.
Ensure the room is well ventilated and wear a mask or respirator during treatment.
Final Thoughts!
Although it can be challenging, cleaning a popcorn ceiling is not impossible. Try to clean your ceilings once or twice a year, or more often if there are areas where dust or stains build up.
To enjoy light and airy rooms all year long, include cleaning your popcorn ceilings in your spring cleaning routine.
